This is how Patch Adams thought of literally, laughter as the best medicine to help uplift spirits of both children and adults and help them recuperate faster. Thus, they feel even gloomier as they feel the gravity of their disease despite the efforts of their parents to make them feel better. Most hospitals usually do not have play areas for younger patients to play in, so their routine is fixed and dotted with the occasional medicine-taking or consultation with doctors. Children who are confined in hospitals for long periods of time also feel the cold environment of their ward or room. Moreover, they hate taking medicines, so being sick feels more and more like a punishment and they have nothing to be happy about. Children, especially, become sad when they are sick, and become passive while they get better. When people are sick, they usually become gloomy or morose. When a person laughs, signals are sent to the brain, and the body produces endorphins, which give a lasting feeling of joy. Laughter does have positive effects to the body, in the emotional aspect. Indeed, he took the age-old saying to heart. Laughter was one means Patch Adams used in order to achieve whole wellness. Thus, true wellness is achieved by maintaining physical health, but by emotional health as well. Basically, he believed that the health of one person is affected by the health and state of his/her family and community. Patch Adams believed that a person’s health is closely related to his/herĮnvironment. The cast was led by Robin Williams playing the title character, and, though poorly received by critics, was considered a box-office success, making the clown doctor a household name. Though the couple divorced, they have two children.Īn award-winning film in his namesake was produced in 1998, paying tribute to Patch Adams’ life and works. Patch Adams was married to Linda Edquist, whom he met while studying at MCV. Much is known about Patch Adams’ life through his biography, available online.

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